A couple of creative agents of Brisbane's underground, Mystique Muse and Runestaff have created their very own alternative variety show that promises audiences the most delicious and ambitious sights.
Called The Mystical Menagerie, Mystique Muse and Runestaff have curated a line-up of sizzling, sultry performers encompassing burlesque, drag, live singers, sideshow and kink, and plan to host events bi-monthly.With their very first event The Mystical Menagerie Of Curiosities And Oddities already sold out, and tickets moving quickly for their second showcase, The Mystical Menagerie Murder On The Dancefloor, in October, we made time with Mystique Muse and Runestaff to discuss all the angles of The Mystical Menagerie.
Who is... We are Mystique Muse and Runestaff and we are presenting The Mystical Menagerie – a variety show experience. We offer you the most delicious and ambitious sights of the Brisbane underground including burlesque, drag, live singers, sideshow and kink performers. Come and take a cheeky peek of our flirty freaks.
We sound like... A mystical revue of Brisbane's underground talent. Sounds of drag queens belting, a saxophone roaring, hot wax, nails and high heels.
Our first gig is... On 27 August at Backdock Arts, Fortitude Valley (it has already sold out).
When did you settle on the group's name, and was it a unanimous decision... The name was actually coined by Runestaff – we had a chat about it in the car and bam The Mystical Menagerie came about. Mystique wanted something that would go well with the theme of the cabinet of curiosities we have currently in our living room.
If we could tour with anyone... It would definitely be with other variety shows like Ensnare Burlesque, Frisky Feathers Revue, Honcho Disko, Red Light Confidential and working with artists like Evana De Lune or even Gina Sterling (biggest burly babe crushes).
Social media is... We're on Facebook and Instagram. Our TikTok videos are on @itismystiquemuse page.
My favourite app at the moment is... Pokemon Go.
To date, our most embarrassing moment was the time... There's never any embarrassing moments when you have no shame to begin with. However, Mystique did do a competition in which their microphone headset fell off, pastie popped off and dealt with mass amounts of costume malfunctions all within ONE act. Runestaff was there to capture it all.
Life on the road can be... Parking for long periods of time because Mystique is writing up an Instagram story for the show.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be your spokesperson... All of The Fuel Girls. Each and every member of them. Please.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? Berlin: rave, eat, repeat.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Lasagna. We have a lot of experience cooking for the masses.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? Pro pets.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... CC Dry.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Washing dishes.
Do you have any phobias... Mystique gets jump scared easily (and definitely spiders). Runestaff is just a chill human.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? Big Brother Friday Night Games for SURE with everything involved in the cast of our first show.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? What's even open at midnight in Brisbane?
Which fictional character best describes your personality? Mystique is just as stubborn as Yennefer of Vengerberg from 'Witcher'. Runestaff has the calmness and sword skills of Geralt.
Last show you binge-watched? 'Westworld' – what even is reality?!
The Mystical Menagerie Of Curiosities And Oddities takes place at Backdock Arts (Brisbane) 27 August (sold out). The Mystical Menagerie Murder On The Dancefloor takes place at Backdock Arts (Brisbane) 8 October (two shows). The Mystical Menagerie will also host a burlesque workshop at Backdock Arts (Brisbane) 4 September.
